US Virgin St Thomas Resorts- The Ritz Carlton

The Ritz Carlton St Thomas *****

Ritz Carlton St Thomas: Secluded on the far eastern tip of St. Thomas and arrayed on a hillside above a deep bay, this resort features two long beaches.

Guestrooms include Ritz-Carlton Beds, high-speed Internet access through 27-inch televisions, Nintendo, and CD and DVD players.

Attractions include two large freeform pools, beachfront bars and restaurants, and a marble-lined health-and-beauty spa.

Resembling an Italian villa, the pale-pink main building features pink-marble floors and red-tile roofs. Lodging buildings spread from each side of the villa on hillsides overlooking a turquoise bay and the open Caribbean beyond. A $75-million expansion completed in 2002 included a second pool and a health-and-beauty spa. The resort exists comfortably with nature, including a salt pond, iguanas, deer, and sea turtles. Gardens flower down hillsides to the beach. Discriminating guests come for tranquil vacations.

Two expansive crescent beaches on the calm-water bay provide ample room for uncrowded sunbathing on cushioned lounge chairs, with umbrellas for shade. One, called Iguanas Beach, extends a quarter-mile. The other, Coconut Cove, is a protected turtle zone and runs a half-mile. Both offer snorkeling opportunities. Just above each beach is an expansive freeform pool offering a freshwater alternative to the Caribbean Sea. One features an infinity edge. The other is located in a complex with two six-person spas and a children's pool. Beach and pool sunbathers periodically receive chilled towels and fruit.

On request and for a fee, the hotel sets out a candlelit table on the beach and serves a champagne dinner for two under the stars.

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Rooms

The hotel offers 200 guestrooms in sand-colored three- or four-story buildings terraced into hillsides facing the sea. Each room features a balcony furnished with two cushioned lounge chairs and a two-chair dining set. Decor includes mahogany furniture, tropical-color fabrics, carpeting, and crown molding. Marble bathrooms contain either twin pedestal sinks or a twin-sink vanity. For restful slumber, the Ritz-Carlton Bed features Frette linens, a custom mattress, and feather or foam pillows. For entertainment, each room includes a 27-inch television, high-speed Internet access with wireless keyboard, Nintendo, a CD player, and a DVD player. (VCR and complimentary use of videotapes available on request.)

Ocean-view room: One king Ritz-Carlton Bed or two double Ritz-Carlton Beds. Balcony with unobstructed view of Caribbean. 480 square feet. Upholstered chair. Dressing bench. 27-inch television. High-speed Internet access with wireless keyboard and Nintendo. CD, DVD players. Marble entry. Marble bathroom with tub/shower combination. From $429

Deluxe Oceanview: One king or two double beds. Private, 125-square-foot balcony or terrace with view of ocean and beach, and island of St. John in background. 450 square feet. Mediterranean decor with dark-wood furniture, gold and red color schemes, arched windows. Air conditioning. Marble bathrooms with terry-cloth bathrobes and extensive bath menu (bath butler). Cable TV. Nintendo gaming console. Minibar. Twice-daily housekeeping. from $487

Garden-view room One king Ritz-Carlton Bed or two double Ritz-Carlton Beds. Located on first floor with tropical foliage partially blocking view of Caribbean from balcony. 480 square feet. Upholstered chair. Dressing bench. 27-inch television. High-speed Internet access with wireless keyboard and Nintendo. CD, DVD players. Marble entry. Marble bathroom with tub/shower combination. From $390

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Dining

Great Bay Grill - Series of salons under peaked wood ceilings. Sea-view windows with floral drapes. Dinner featuring steaks, seafood, lamb, veal. Sunday brunch.
The Café - Open-air pavilion. Terrace seating, plus lounge. Breakfast, dinner buffets and à la carte menus. Live music at dinner. Dinner buffet with stations such as pasta, prime rib, lobster, fajitas.

Coconut Cove Beach Bar & Grill - Open-air, with covered seating at marble bar and on terrace. Lunch menu featuring lobster club sandwich, pastrami sub, seared tuna, salads, burgers. Sunday barbecue buffet. Monday Caribbean buffet.

Iguana's Pool & Beach Bar - Covered seating at bar and umbrellas tables on terraced wood decks. Pizza, sandwiches, salads, burgers. Tuesday barbecue buffet

LOCATION:

Address:St. John, ST 00830 Virgin Islands, U.S.

Nearby attractions:

Coral World (marine park) - 4 miles
Tillett Gardens (arts center) - 6 miles
Paradise Point (tramway ride) - 8 miles
Charlotte Amalie (shopping, dining) - 9 miles
Blackbeard's Castle (historical site) - 9 miles
Mountain Top (view) - 14 miles

Cyril E. King/St. Thomas International Airport (STT): Approximate driving time is 50 minutes and distance is 12 miles.

Although rental cars are available for getting around St. Thomas, driving is on the left-hand side along narrow, winding, hilly roads, leading most visitors to use taxis.

PRICES: from $390 doubles/twins

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